Originally from Orange, New Jersey, Julian Hipkins has been based in Washington, D.C. since 1980. He spent many years in vocal training both in private instruction and at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. In addition to his talent that earned him acting roles in dramas and musicals in the New York City area, Julian’s rich baritone voice has soothed many jazz aficionados and listeners in Japan, Paris and the Virgin Islands.
His lyrical and musical interpretations of a song underline his musicianship and in recent years, his vocal styling has been enjoyed by BET network audiences and in many local Washington DC establishments including: Twins Lounge, Wolf Trap, The Lyceum, The Smithsonian Institution, The University of Maryland, The American University and monthly at the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Julian recently held lead vocal roles in the production of “The Forgotten”, a historical jazz opera and “Two To Tango”, a musical review of the greatest jazz and R&B duets of all times.
Julian can be heard on two CDs with the Tom Cunningham Orchestra; “One O'Clock Boogie, Two O'Clock Jump” and “All the Cats Join In”.